Bananas and small pets
Each animal is checked separately. An answer for one species never stands in for another.
Also called: banana, bananna
| Animal | Verdict | Short answer |
|---|---|---|
| Rabbits | Caution | Very small amounts as an occasional treat. Banana is fruit, which is high in sugar, and PDSA says to avoid treats like this for overweight rabbits. |
| Guinea pigs | Safe | Yes, as a small treat. PDSA and the Royal Veterinary College list banana among fruits for guinea pigs, in very small amounts. |
| Hamsters | Safe | Yes, a small piece. PDSA lists banana as suitable for hamsters; keep fruit small, especially for Russian dwarf hamsters, which are prone to diabetes. |
| Gerbils | Not verified | We haven't verified this for gerbils yet. That doesn't mean it's safe. If your gerbil has eaten it, contact a vet who treats small mammals. |
| Rats | Not verified | We haven't verified this for rats yet. That doesn't mean it's safe. If your rat has eaten it, contact a vet who treats small mammals. |
| Mice | Not verified | We haven't verified this for mice yet. That doesn't mean it's safe. If your mouse has eaten it, contact a vet who treats small mammals. |
| Ferrets | Caution | Best avoided. Merck says ferrets should not be fed fruit or other sugary treats, because sugar may worsen a common ferret tumour. |